Letters To The Editor

November 15, 2003

STEP UP SMITHFIELD POLICE PRESENCE

All should mourn the recent death of Kyron Butler. To lose a child is tragic, but to lose one in a senseless act of violence is unforgivable. The line has been drawn: The time to attack gang activity is now.

As a former policeman from Santa Ana, Calif., I worked narcotics and gang intervention for six years. I am now a Smithfield resident. Prior to our move to Virginia, my wife and I lived in Van Nuys, Calif., a section of the San Fernando Valley, which is located north of Los Angeles. The valley has over 80 documented gangs. Drive-by shootings, dope dealing, turf wars, etc., are the norm. Graffiti is everywhere. These were all loosely organized gangs at one time. The longer gangs are allowed to function, the harder it is to stop them.

I suggest that the Smithfield police use volunteers to supplement their regular officers. Reserve police and senior patrols would allow the police department to maintain a constant presence in areas where gang activity is a problem. The only way we can stop this problem is by community involvement and a show of force by the police.

Bill Davidson

Smithfield

DISAVOWAL IN SURRY

Reference the Nov. 8 article, "Was controversial campaign letter designed to goad blacks to the polls?" referring to letter by Thomas Byrd, president of Concerned Citizens for Education. From the letter: "Someone said recently that if the wrong people are elected on Tuesday, Surry will be set back 75 years. We do not know if that prediction is correct, but we do know that more Confederate flags are being flown and displayed in Surry County now than probably since the Civil War. Those Rebel flags mean something!"

As a School Board candidate from the Bacon's Castle District in the recent election, I feel the need to write this letter of apology. I regret any discomfort the above-referenced letter may have caused.

I have not and will not support any such views concerning the statements that were made by Thomas Byrd in the Nov. 8 article. I apologize to all citizens, both white and black, that my name has been associated with such statements. I ask not to be associated with such statements now and in the future. I do not agree and I do not wish to be associated with such statements. In view of such racial statements, I feel that the letter was appalling.

In conclusion, my name was attached to the letter without my permission and knowledge that such letter would be written by Byrd. These are not my feelings that were written. Therefore, I do not support the letter sent to area churches.

Elsie Dennis

Surry County

QUESTIONS FOR NRA

I have a number of questions about guns and gun control that I would like to have answered by the National Rifle Association or a supporter. Why are all attempts at gun control automatically labeled as confiscation? If they could repeal the gun control laws, would they? Why does any law-abiding, private citizen want or need any weapon that fires multiple rounds with one squeeze of the trigger? Why does any private citizen need clips holding more than 10 rounds?

How would they make "straw" purchases more difficult, more easily detected and punished?

Why shouldn't anyone wanting to own a gun be required to show that they know how to use, carry and store it safely?

What does any private citizen want with armor piercing or exploding bullets?

Walter Sinelnick

Newport News

RETURN THE LAND

The United States has for the second time invaded Iraq, and for the second time will give it back to the Iraqis. We did the same thing to the nations of Germany and Japan. We conquered, then gave back their land.

Yet a nation that the United States conquered -- with disease, murder, lies and broken treaties -- did not get its land back. There is no race of people in America treated worse than the Native Americans -- no race, no group, period.

The Nansemond Indians asked Suffolk for a mere 99 acres of sacred home land to come back to them, of which only 44 acres is buildable, for an authentic Indian town. Does someone have something else in mind for a bigger piece of change, or is it still that Native Americans rank at the bottom of the totem pole? Is it so wrong to want land where traditional rights and cultural rights are embedded?

The eagle still soars over the land, but his eyes are full of tears.

Bob Cantrell

Windsor

SAVE 'REDSKINS'

Reference the Oct. 7 column by Dave Fairbank, "It's time to retire 'Redskins,' " spreading the politically correct, absolute nonsense about changing the name of the Washington Redskins just like that. I certainly hope it will take a lot more than a "just like that" to do such a thoughtless, bone-headed thing, to change a name that a tradition has been building on since 1933 as the Boston Redskins.